How Long Do STIs Take to Show Up?

Waiting Is the Hardest Part

If you've had a potential STI exposure, the waiting period can be incredibly stressful. You want answers, but you need to know the right timing for symptoms and testing.

Let's break down exactly when each STI might show up – and when you can get tested.

The Critical Point: Most STIs Don't "Show Up" at All

Before diving into timelines, here's the most important thing to understand: the majority of STI infections cause no noticeable symptoms.

This means you cannot rely on symptoms to tell you whether you have an infection. Testing is the only reliable way to know your status.

That said, here's when symptoms might appear if they do occur.

STI Symptom Timelines

Chlamydia

Typical appearance: 1-3 weeks after exposure

If symptoms occur, they may include:

• Unusual discharge
• Pain when urinating
• Pelvic or testicular pain
• Bleeding between periods

Symptom likelihood: Only about 30% of women and 50% of men develop symptoms

When to test: 2 weeks after exposure

Gonorrhoea

Typical appearance: 2-5 days after exposure

If symptoms occur, they may include:

• Yellow or green discharge
• Pain when urinating
• More frequent urination
• Sore throat (if oral infection)

Symptom likelihood: About 50% of women and 90% of men with urethral infection have symptoms; throat infections are usually asymptomatic

When to test: 2 weeks after exposure

Syphilis

Primary stage: 10-90 days (usually 3 weeks) after exposure

If symptoms occur:

• Painless sore (chancre) at infection site
• Sore heals on its own within 3-6 weeks
• Secondary symptoms (rash, flu-like illness) appear weeks later

Symptom likelihood: Primary sore may go unnoticed, especially if internal

When to test: 4-6 weeks for initial test; 3 months for definitive result

HIV

Acute retroviral syndrome: 2-4 weeks after exposure (if symptomatic)

If symptoms occur, they may include:

• Fever, fatigue, body aches
• Rash (often on torso)
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Sore throat
• Night sweats

Symptom likelihood: About 60% experience acute symptoms; they're often mistaken for flu

When to test: 4 weeks for 4th gen test; 3 months for certainty

Herpes (HSV)

First outbreak: 2-12 days after exposure (typically around 4 days)

If symptoms occur:

• Tingling or itching at infection site
• Painful blisters or sores
• Flu-like symptoms during first outbreak
• Pain urinating if sores near urethra

Symptom likelihood: Up to 80% of infected people don't recognise symptoms

When to test: Swab test if sores present; blood test from 12 weeks

Genital Warts (HPV)

Typical appearance: 2-3 months after exposure (but highly variable)

If symptoms occur:

• Small flesh-coloured bumps
• May be single or clustered (cauliflower-like)
• Usually painless
• May appear weeks to years after exposure – or never

Symptom likelihood: Most HPV infections cause no visible warts

When to test: Visual diagnosis if warts present; no routine HPV test for warts

Trichomoniasis

Typical appearance: 5-28 days after exposure

If symptoms occur:

• Frothy, yellow-green discharge with odour
• Genital itching and irritation
• Pain during sex or urination

Symptom likelihood: Up to 70% of infected people have no symptoms

When to test: 2 weeks after exposure

Hepatitis B

Typical appearance: 6 weeks to 6 months (average 90 days)

If symptoms occur:

• Fatigue
• Nausea and vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Dark urine
• Jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes)

Symptom likelihood: Many adults are asymptomatic during acute infection

When to test: 6 weeks to 3 months after exposure

Quick Reference Chart

What If You Have Symptoms?

If you develop any of these symptoms, seek testing promptly:

• Unusual discharge (colour, amount, or smell)
• Pain or burning when urinating
• Sores, blisters, or unusual bumps on genitals
• Pain during sex
• Pelvic or lower abdominal pain
• Testicular pain or swelling
• Bleeding between periods or after sex
• Itching or irritation in the genital area

Don't wait for the "window period" if you have symptoms – get checked now.

What If You Have No Symptoms?

This is normal for most STIs. The absence of symptoms doesn't mean you're clear. If you've had:

• Unprotected sex with a new partner
• Sex with someone who has tested positive
• Any concerns about exposure

Get tested at the appropriate time, regardless of how you feel.

Testing Too Early vs. Too Late

Testing Too Early

• May give false negative results
• The infection hasn't produced enough detectable markers yet
• You may need to retest later

When to Consider Early Testing

• You want baseline results (ruling out previous exposure)
• You're extremely anxious and negative results would help
• You understand you'll need to retest for recent exposure

Testing "Too Late"

• There's no such thing as too late for most STIs
• Infections remain detectable even years later
• Getting tested is always valuable

Take Action

Don't let the waiting period turn into inaction. Here's what to do:

1. Mark your calendar for when testing becomes accurate
2. Avoid sexual contact until you know your status (or use protection)
3. Don't panic – most STIs are treatable, and knowing is better than wondering
4. Get comprehensive testing – test for multiple STIs, not just one

Book Your Test

We offer confidential STI testing with guidance on optimal timing. Whether you need testing now, advice on when to test, or reassurance while you wait, we're here to help.